GRAND RAPIDS -- The federal government today filed notice that it will not seek the death penalty against Rami Saba and Raogo Ouedraogo, who are accused of killing Donald Dietz, a 66-year-old Saranac resident.

Courtesy PhotoRami Saba

U.S. Attorney Donald Davis said he submitted his recommendation to U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder's capital case review committee, and recently obtained its opinion. Based on that report, he and Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip Green wrote in court papers that the government "will not seek the death penalty against either defendant Rami Ikbal Saba or defendant Raogo Ouedraogo."

Saba is expected in court Thursday for a competency hearing.

Saba has filed notice that he fired his attorneys and will represent himself.